The Beautiful Wretch; The Pupil of Aurelius; and The Four Macnicols

"The Beautiful Wretch" by William Black is a story set in the late 1800s, telling of a bright and free-spirited young woman named Anne Beresford, nicknamed "Nan", who struggles against the constraints placed on her by society. Nan's journey of self-discovery begins amongst Britain's charming seaside landscapes, specifically between Newhaven and Brighton, and is highlighted by the arrival of Singing Sal, a wandering musician who recognizes Nan's unique appeal. Sal's views on society and class spark internal conflicts within Nan, leading her to question her role and happiness as a member of high society and her connections with the people around her, including a Lieutenant named Frank King; these evolving relationships push Nan to navigate her personal desires alongside the complex expectations of her time.